The Second Shadow Cabinet of Edward Heath was created after the Conservative Party lost the February 1974 general election. It was led by the Leader of the Conservative Party Edward Heath and featured prominent Conservative politicians both past and future. Included was Heath's successor Margaret Thatcher, the future Home Secretary William Whitelaw, and two future Foreign Secretaries, Lord Carrington and Francis Pym.
For the first time in history, a leadership election was held in 1975 for the Conservative Party whilst the position was not vacant. Margaret Thatcher challenged Heath, with whom the majority of the party was dissatisfied because of repeated losses at elections. She won, becoming the first female leader of a major political party in Britain.
Heath announced his new Shadow Cabinet on 12 March 1974.
On 13 June 1974, a reshuffle saw Peter Carington replaced as party chair by William Whitelaw which coincided with Macmillan and Barber returning to the backbench.
Following the October 1974 general election Heath reshuffled his Shadow Cabinet on 7 November 1974.